Wisconsin State Party Chairman Ben Wickler received a key endorsement as he seeks the Democratic National Committee chairmanship.
Stacey Abrams, a two-time Democratic candidate for governor in Georgia who has spearheaded the party’s efforts to combat growing voting suppression efforts, endorsed Wikler for DNC chair on Monday. announced that it would do so.
In a statement to POLITICO, Abrams praised Wikler as “the battle-tested chair the DNC needs right now,” citing his success fighting “destructive Republican control” in his home state and his ability to build coalitions.
“I have deep respect for the other candidates and their commitment to our party and our country,” Abrams said. “Ben has proven year-round that through voter protection, smart organizing and clear messaging, we can win, especially in states where our rights are being violated.”
Abrams’ endorsement comes days after the party held its first formal candidate gathering on Saturday, the first of four ahead of the Feb. 1 DNC election.
“I am honored to receive the endorsement of Stacey Abrams,” Wikler said in a statement to POLITICO, adding, “Her work in Georgia has inspired the year-round organizing, permanent campaigning, and voter protection infrastructure we have strengthened.” Wisconsin’s historic win. Additionally, I was fortunate to have her as a friend, mentor, and advisor.”
Abrams also endorsed Georgia Democratic Rep. Nikema Williams, who is seeking the position of Vice Chair of Civic Engagement and Voter Engagement. Unlike the Speaker race, this contest features all candidates of color, including Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), Reyna Walters-Morgan, former DNC Director of Civic Engagement and Voter Protection, and former DNC Vice Chair Michael Blake. .
“Nikema has consistently served the Georgia Democratic Party,” Abrams said. “She is a passionate advocate for inclusion and equity, and her deep connections with the grassroots make her the ideal choice to help move the DNC forward.”
She declined to endorse in other DNC leadership contests, including for vice chair, secretary, and treasurer.
The race for the DNC’s top job is viewed by many party insiders as a two-way race between Wikler and Ken Martin, head of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party.
Both are from the upper Midwest, and there are few differences over how to reorganize the party.
Both men pledged that, if elected as chairman, they would implement a year-round organizing strategy for all 50 states and seven U.S. territories and eliminate the party’s dependence on a class of political consultants. Connect with everyday Americans.
“The reality is that our party has to stand up again and fight for working families and make them feel like we care about their lives,” Martin said on Fox News Sunday.
For now, the biggest difference between the two frontrunners and the dark horse candidate, former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, who appears to be surging recently, is support.
Martin has the support of nearly two dozen Democratic leaders across nine Southern states, including party chairs in Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas and Virginia, and the entire Democratic delegation in eight states, including Oregon and Arkansas.
Wikler recently received endorsements from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic Party Chairmen Anderson Clayton of North Carolina and Lavora Barnes of Michigan.
The next officially sanctioned DNC candidate forum is scheduled for Thursday in Detroit and will be hosted by POLITICO.
